Yarra Valley has long been the go-to day trip for tired, Melbourne city dwellers wanting to escape and recharge. But it has also grabbed the attention of visitors from all over the world as a hot spot for quality food and wine, spectacular scenery and adventure activities. One of the world’s premier cold climate wine regions, with over 80 cellar doors, the Yarra Valley is less than an hour from Melbourne. You will find quality restaurants dishing up seriously good local produce, a thriving art scene and some adrenalin-inducing fun. Find the perfect holiday home on Search and Stay and settle in for a wine and food getaway.
BEST TIME TO GO TO YARRA VALLEY
The Yarra Valley is a cool climate region with mild and consistent temperatures. The best times to visit are early autumn and late spring.
Autumn is ideal with warm days and cool nights. It’s also harvesting time and that means celebration time, with vibrant events and festivals.
Spring is the wettest time of year, but the valley comes to life with nature putting on a show of colourful blooms and blue skies.
Winter is chilly but there are still plenty of weekend visitors taking in a wine tour.
Summer is dry in the Yarra Valley and at times can get hot. With big, blue skies it is a great time to go hot air ballooning.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN YARRA VALLEY
It’s not all about the wine. Beer and cider production are also a rich part of the Yarra Valley’s history. Craft breweries are creating some delicious ales and ciders that are turning heads. Follow the Cider and Ale trail. Learn a thing or two about production, sample what’s on offer and load up the boot with your favourites.
Pedal power is a fun way to immerse yourself in the valley. The trail follows an old railway line taking you through vineyards, farmlands and forests. You’ll cross restored, wooden bridges, pass remnants of old train stations and catch stunning views of the ranges. Stop off when you feel the need for a refuel and recharge. There are wineries and cafes along the way.
Award winning vineyards, cellar doors and wineries make for a great wine-tasting experience. Either drive yourself or take a tour. Many of the wineries are family run, so take the time to chat. You might learn a secret or two about what makes their wines so great. Be sure to include the big gun of bubbles, Domaine Chandon, on your list.
Go to new heightsYarra Valley has the perfect conditions to get a bird’s eye view while giving yourself an adrenalin hit at the same time.
Try hot air ballooning, especially in the summer months when the skies are clear. Or take a scenic helicopter flight over the valley.
For those of you that really want to freak yourselves out, skydiving is amazing.
Natural wonders
Kinglake National Park has excellent walking trails as well as lookouts with views over the Yarra Valley, Melbourne city skyline and Port Phillip Bay. Head to idyllic Mason Falls. Take a picnic and enjoy at the Mason Falls Picnic area.
Events
Food and wine festivals, music performances and sporting events are high on the list of things to do in the Yarra Valley.
High on the events calendar list is Ciao Yarra Valley Ciao. Four major festivals held in November that celebrate the Italian flavour of the valley. Or take a look at the other events and festivals being held throughout the year.
BEST FOOD AND COFFEE IN YARRA VALLEY
Best food in Yarra Valley
It’s easy to forget that the Yarra Valley is less than an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD. But that closeness has lured some excellent chefs dishing up tasty options all over the Valley.
If time (and money) are on your side, head for the eight-course degustation at Ezard at Levantine Hill. Or there are plenty of lighter options available.
Yering Station is a popular choice for its creative and hearty meals. The perfect match to its architecturally beautiful buildings and oh so yum wines.
Innocent Bystander and Mandala Wines are great options for a more relaxed vibe. And the restaurant at Rochford Wines is always busy. The peeps are flocking for the local produce creations served up at lunch and high tea.
The best recommendation though is to find somewhere that tickles your fancy. There are exciting things happening in the food scene and you’ll likely find yourself a food gem that is just right for you.
Best coffee in Yarra Valley
There are high expectations for coffee in the Yarra Valley. By the time visitors have left Melbourne behind and hit the serenity of the valley they want…no need, that perfect caffeine fix-me-up. Luckily the coffee doesn’t disappoint.
Silva Yarra Valley Coffee Co. in Warburton sets the standard. As does Hutch and Co, Essenza and Nancy’s of the Valley. Many of the winery cafes and restaurants are taking their coffee seriously these days too. Innocent Bystander is the place to go.
BEST PLACES TO GO SHOPPING IN YARRA VALLEY
If you’re in need of a little retail therapy, shopping in the Yarra Valley starts in the picture-perfect town of Healesville. Explore the boutique shops, studios, and galleries. And don’t forget the cellar doors for wines and other locally produced goodies. With Yarra Valley’s inspiring art scene comes a thriving market scene. Local food and produce, art and locally made crafts are on offer at markets across the valley. When you are all shopped out, grab some food, sit on the lawn and take-in the views of the valley. Visit Yarra Valley has information on times and locations.
WHERE TO STAY
You will need a night or two in the Yarra Valley to make the most of what’s on offer.
The villages and surrounds of Coldstream, Healesville, Yarra Glen, Warburton and Marysville have holiday houses, cottages and weekend getaways for that perfectly indulgent weekend. Search and Stay has plenty of holiday rentals so you'll find exactly what you need
TRAVELLING WITH KIDS
While you might be tempted to outsource the kids before hitting wine country, think again. A family break in the Yarra Valley can be a win-win for all.
Wineries working their magic with the kids include St Huberts, De Bertoli, Tarrawarra Estate and Paynes’s Rise amongst others.
Away from the wineries head to Seville Water Park. So much fun. Also think Healesville Sanctuary, Yara Glen Adventure Playground and the Yara Valley Railway.
And for the tastiest option of all head to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.
HISTORY
Yarra Valley has been home to the Wurundjeri people for 30,000 years. The Yarra River or ‘Birrarung’ was the life source for both the native aboriginals and European pioneers.
The Yarra Valley became a primary food production region. It was the thoroughfare to Warburton goldfields in the 1850s. And the river was central to the timber industry in the 1870s.
The first vines were planted in the 1830s. The industry had a lull from the 1920’s until replanting began in the1960s. the Yarra Valley wine industry hasn’t looked back since.
Now regarded as one of the best producers of cold climate wine in the world, along with berry and fruit production, it is Victoria’s leading food and wine destination.
SEARCH AND STAY SECRET TIP
A little-known forest of Californian Redwoods sits just outside Warburton. There are almost 1500 trees, rising up to 55 metres, tucked away at the base of the Yarra Ranges. This mystical forest is planted in perfect rows. It’s a great place to explore, get some happy snaps or relax with a picnic. Keep an eye out for the magical woven sculptures by local artist David Digapony. You might be lucky to find one of these large circular creations of fallen tree branches.
For more go to 3 days in the Yarra Valley or Visit Yarra Valley.